A public hearing is underway ahead of the commencement of the long-anticipated upgrade of the Suavanao Airfield in Isabel Province, under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).
Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), this critical infrastructure project is now advancing through the procurement process and is currently at the technical evaluation stage.
The selected contractor will be confirmed upon completion of all necessary requirements.
Ahead of the construction, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) has conducted public hearings to present the findings of the Public Environment Report and gather feedback from stakeholders, community members, and individuals potentially affected by the development.
The hearings were conducted on the following communities; Kolopakisa village, Suavanao village, Baolo village and Papatura Resort.
All community members were encouraged to provide feedback, either verbally or through written submissions.
Written representations may also be submitted to the Director of Environment & Conservation Division under MECDM up to fourteen (14) days after the respective meeting.
Permanent Secretary of MCA, Mr. Alwyn Danitofea, emphasized the importance of community participation:
“The Suavanao Airfield upgrade is a critical investment in improving connectivity and service delivery for our people in Isabel Province. We encourage all community members to attend the scheduled hearings and share their views, as their input is essential to ensuring the project is implemented in a way that is environmentally responsible and responsive to local needs.”
The Suavanao Airfield runway pavement and associated upgrading works will deliver a range of essential improvements to support all-weather operations and enhance safety.
Works will include unexploded ordnance surveys, construction of improved drainage systems, including a southern drainage channel, and elevation of the runway to enhance climate resilience. Additional upgrades feature the sealing of the runway, taxiway, and apron with bituminous surfacing, installation of ground lighting, application of airfield markings and construction of a small terminal facility to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Once completed, the Suavanao Airfield upgrades will significantly strengthen connectivity and accessibility for communities in Isabel Province, ensuring safer, more reliable, and more resilient aviation services.
– SIRAP2
